New England Dispatches

The federal government says that over 100 unaccompanied immigrant children have been placed individually with sponsors in Rhode Island this year.

The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services reported Thursday that 119 children who arrived at the southern border illegally were united with sponsors in the state between Jan. 1 and July 7. Sponsors are usually parents, relatives or family friends.

CONCORD, N.H.

Teen describes man she says drove her away from home

The New Hampshire teen who vanished more than nine months ago on her way home from school has provided investigators with a description of the man she says drove her away from North Conway.

Attorney General Joseph Foster distributed a sketch of the man to media outlets Thursday. But he says it’s still not clear to investigators whether Abigail Hernandez was taken away against her will or lured away or what role the man may have played in concealing her whereabouts for more than nine months.

Hernandez returned home Sunday night. In a press release Tuesday, Foster asked the public’s help in recognizing clothing that Abigail or another female may have been seen wearing in the vicinity of Abigail’s home between 10 and 10:30 Sunday night.

BOSTON

Bill signed to outlaw shark fin possession, distribution

Gov. Deval Patrick has signed a bill outlawing the possession or distribution of shark fins in Massachusetts.

Supporters of the ban say shark fins are often removed for use in soup while the rest of the shark is thrown back in the sea, still alive. They call the practice inhumane.

Patrick signed the bill Thursday at the New England Aquarium.

The governor credited conservationists and animal welfare activists who pushed for the bill, including 9-year-old Sean Lesniak of Lowell, who took an interest in the subject and visited the Statehouse to urge lawmakers to approve the ban.

Patrick said the law will primarily affect distributors and retailers of imported shark fins, with little impact on commercial fishing.

Violators could face up to 60 days in jail or fines of up to $1,000 per fin.

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